re: How does A&M-Bama 2013 hype compare to LSU-Bama 2011?

Big shock that all the LSU fans think "It's not even close!"

As a game the LSU/Bama game was bigger because of the time in the season and the quality of the teams. To folks in the SEC it also is likely bigger because of how they view LSU and Bama. There really wasn't a lot of outside drama though. No real iconic players. Saban/LSU wasn't new either, he already had a NC at Bama. Everyone expected and got a defensive struggle which also doesn't excite as many casual fans.

I also can see how Bama folks view the LSU/Bama game as the bigger one because the game had such clear NC implications.

That said, nationally I think this week's game is bigger and much more hyped. They have been hyping ever since Manziel won the Heisman and it went in to overdrive after Bama won the NC. So much drama with the returning Heisman winner who is so polarizing and a true pop culture icon at this point. Even more because he made his bones off the Bama win and it was the only blemish for Bama last year.

I think the ratings for the game nationally may well surpass the ND/Miami "Catholics vs Convicts" game as the highest rated regular season game. This game is really only half about the game itself, it's also about all the drama surrounding the game. To Joe Schmo in Michigan this game holds a lot more interest. That doesn't mean it is a better game, it isn't, it's just more hyped.